Method and System for Improving Efficiency Over Power Control for Linear and Class AB Power Amplifiers

ABSTRACT

Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application makes reference to U.S. application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. 18190US01) filed on Feb. 26, 2007, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to communication networks.More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to amethod and system for improving efficiency over power control for linearand Class AB power amplifiers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A power amplifier (PA) circuit may be biased for different modes, or“classes” of operation. Exemplary classes include Class A, Class AB, andClass B. In Class A operation, a PA may be biased such that the PA is ina conducting, or ON, state during 100% of the cycle, or the entirecycle, of the input signal. The bias level is also typically selectedsuch that the PA operates in the most linear portion of the transfercurve, which characterizes the PA circuit. In Class A operation, theoutput signal from the PA is typically a scaled version of the inputsignal, where the scaling factor is a function of the gain associatedwith the PA circuit. However, because of the bias level utilized forClass A operation, the PA is typically in a conducting state even whenthere is no input signal. Furthermore, even when the PA is amplifying aninput signal, the efficiency of the PA may not exceed 50%. For example,each watt of delivered output power, or P_(out), may require two (2)watts of delivered power, P_(DC), from a DC power supply source (such asa battery). One limitation of conventional Class A PA circuits for usein mobile wireless communication systems like wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) systems is that high bias levels often utilized to enablelarge variations in output power levels may result in unacceptably shortbattery life and/or high levels of generated thermal heat.

In Class B operation, a PA may be biased such that the PA is in aconducting state during 50%, or half, of the cycle of the input signal.This may result in large amounts of distortion of the input signal inthe output signal. In this regard, in Class B operation, the PA mayoperate in a nonlinear portion of the transfer curve. However, thetheoretical efficiency of a Class B PA circuit may reach 78.5%. Thehigher efficiency of the Class B PA results from the PA being in anon-conducting, or OFF, state half of the time. While the PA is in theOFF state, power dissipation may be theoretically zero (0). Onelimitation of Class B PA circuits is that distortion levels in outputsignals may be unacceptably high.

In Class AB operation, a PA may be biased such that the PA is in aconducting state for greater than 50%, but less than 100%, of the cycleof the input signal. In Class AB operation, the PA may be more efficientthan in Class A operation, but less efficient than in Class B operation.Furthermore, in Class AB operation, the PA may produce more distortionthan in Class A operation, but less than in Class B operation.

In Class C operation, a PA may be biased such that the PA is in aconducting state for less than 50% of the cycle of the input signal.While Class C amplifiers may produce more distortion than Class A, ClassAB, or Class B amplifiers, the theoretical efficiency of a Class Camplifier may reach 90%. The Class C amplifier may receive an inputsignal and generate a series of current pulse signals. The current pulsesignals generated by the Class C amplifier may comprise undesiredfrequency components. The output signal from the Class C amplifier maybe input to a tuned circuit, which may comprise circuitry to suppressunwanted frequency components. The resulting output signal from thetuned circuit may be a signal for which that comprises frequencieswithin a desired frequency band, for example such as a frequency bandutilized in global system for mobile (GSM) communications systems.

While the operating class of a PA provides one measure of efficiency,another measure of efficiency is determined by how efficiently theoutput power from the PA, P_(out), is delivered to a load. For purposesof the present application, this measure of efficiency may be referredto as load transfer efficiency. In a wireless communications system, anexemplary load may comprise an antenna. The PA may deliver the outputpower to the load most efficiently when the output impedance of the PAis equal to the impedance of the load. In this regard, the PA and theload may be referred to as being “impedance matched”.

Many conventional PA circuits are implemented in integrated circuit (IC)devices, or chips. The IC may comprise a die, which may comprise activeand/or passive circuitry, and a package, which may comprise a pluralityof pins, or contacts, which enable electrical conductivity betweenvarious contact points on the die, and various contact points on aboard, or other electronic assembly on which the IC is installed.

Some conventional PA integrated circuit chips achieve impedance matchingby insertion of an on-chip transformer between the output of the PA anda load, which is located off-chip. A transformer utilized for impedancematching may be referred to as a matching transformer. Because oflimitations in on-chip transformer circuits, signal energy may be lostwhen coupling a signal from the primary windings of the on-chiptransformer to the secondary windings of the on-chip transformer. Theresult may be a reduced level of delivered power to the load, P_(load).

In a polar modulation system, the PA input may comprise a phasemodulation signal and an amplitude signal. In response to the phasemodulation signal, the PA may generate an output signal of constantamplitude for which the phase may vary at different time instants. Inresponse to the amplitude modulation signal, the PA may vary theamplitude at different time instants for the signal generated inresponse to the phase modulation signal.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and system for improving efficiency over power control forlinear and Class AB power amplifiers, substantially as shown in and/ordescribed in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forthmore completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a power amplifier with dynamic biasing and biascurrent control, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary bias current control circuit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for dynamic biasingand bias current control, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and systemfor improving efficiency over power control for linear and Class ABpower amplifiers. Various embodiments of the invention may improve PAefficiency, and load transfer efficiency. PA efficiency may be improvedby dynamically changing the bias voltage level in response to dynamicchanges in the amplitude of the input signal applied to the PA. Inaddition, PA efficiency may be improved by dynamically changing a biascurrent level, I_(Bias), flowing through the PA. In various embodimentsof the invention, the bias current level may be determined by settingprogrammable bits in a current source circuit. The programmable bits, orpower control bits, may determine a power level for the output of thePA. For a PA utilized in polar modulation applications, the currentsource circuit may receive an input modulation signal, which may enablecontrol of the amplitude of an output signal generated by the PA. Bydynamically controlling the bias voltage level and bias current level ofthe PA, the PA may be configured to operate as a Class A amplifier, aClass B amplifier, a Class AB amplifier, and/or a Class C amplifier, forexample.

In various embodiments of the invention, load transfer efficiency may beimproved by implementing the PA circuit in an IC die, while implementingthe matching transformer in the IC package surrounding the die. Byplacing the matching transformer in the IC package, materials may beutilized with higher permeability, and lower parasitic resistance and/orcapacitance values. The result may be a transformer, for which lesssignal energy may be lost while coupling a signal from the primarytransformer winding to the secondary transformer winding. Thedynamically changed P_(DC) bias level may be applied to the matchingtransformer, which may in turn enable dynamic biasing of the PA circuit.In various alternative embodiments of the invention, the matchingtransformer may be located in a board on which the IC may be installed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a power amplifier with dynamic biasing and biascurrent control, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a board 102. The board 102 maycomprise an IC package 104. The IC package 104 may comprise a die 106, amatching transformer 108, and an antenna 110. The die 106 may comprise aDC to DC (DC/DC) converter 112, a look up table (LUT) 114, an envelopedetector 116, a current source 118, transistors 120 and 122, a filter124, a current source 119, a processor 130, and a memory 132. Thecurrent source 119 may comprise a plurality of current source modules118 a, 118 b, . . . , and 118 n. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the transistors 120 and 122 may be fabricated by utilizingCMOS technology.

The package 104 may comprise a plurality of pins, or other contactpoints, each of which may enable electrical conductivity from a contactpoint on the die 106, to a contact point on the board 102. The package104 may utilize any of a variety of technologies for enclosing a die106.

Within in the die 106 the DC/DC converter 112 may comprise suitablelogic, circuitry and/or code that may enable conversion of an inputsupply voltage, V_(DD), to a bias voltage, V_(Bias), based on an inputcontrol signal, Supply Control. The voltage level for the bias voltageV_(Bias) may be less than or equal to the voltage level of the inputsupply voltage V_(DD). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, theDC/DC converter 112 may comprise a switching regulator circuit.

The envelope detector 116 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/orcode that may enable detection of an amplitude of a time varying inputsignal, labeled as the differential signal LO+ and LO− in FIG. 1. Basedon the detected amplitude of the input signal, the envelope detector 116may enable representation of the detected input signal amplitude in agenerated output signal labeled Amplitude in FIG. 1. In variousembodiments of the invention, the signal Amplitude may be an analogsignal and/or a digital signal.

The LUT 114 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that mayenable generation of a Supply Control code word based on an inputAmplitude signal. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the LUT114 may comprise one or more memory circuits that utilize the Amplitudesignal to generate an address to access a memory location. Based on thebinary data retrieved from the address memory location, the SupplyControl code word may be generated.

The current source 119 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/orcode that may enable generation of a bias current, I_(Bias). The biascurrent I_(Bias) may represent an aggregate current generated by aplurality of individual current source modules 118 a, 118 b, . . . , and118 n. The aggregate current level for the current source 119 may bemeasured at the node labeled S in FIG. 1. The current source 119 mayreceive an input modulation signal, and an input power control bitssignal. The input power control bits signal may enable control of thebias current level generated by the current source 119. The input powercontrol bits signal may comprise a plurality of bits B₀, B₁, . . . , andB_(N−1). The input modulation signal may enable the bias current levelgenerated by the current source 119 to vary at different time instantsin response to changes in a level of the input modulation signal.

The current source module 118 a may comprise suitable logic, circuitryand/or code that may enable generation of a current, 10, in response toa bit, B₀, from the input power control bits signal. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the current source module 118 a may beconfigured in an ON state, or in an OFF state, based on a value of thebit B₀. For example, when B₀=1 the current source module 118 a may be inan ON state, and when B₀=0 the current source module 118 a may be in anOFF state. When the current source module 118 a is in an OFF state I₀=0.When the current source module 118 a is in an ON state, the currentlevel for the current I₀ may vary at different time instants in responseto changes in the level of the input modulation signal.

The current source module 118 b may comprise suitable logic, circuitryand/or code that may enable generation of a current, I₁, in response toa bit, B₁, from the input power control bits signal. The current sourcemodule 118 b may be configured in an ON state, or in an OFF state, basedon a value of the bit B₁. For example, when B₁=1 the current sourcemodule 118 b may be in an ON state, and when B₁=0 the current sourcemodule 118 b may be in an OFF state. When the current source module 118b is in an OFF state I₁=0. When the current source module 118 b is in anON state, the current level for the current I₁ may also vary atdifferent time instants in response to changes in the level of the inputmodulation signal.

The current source module 118 n may comprise suitable logic, circuitryand/or code that may enable generation of a current, I_(n), in responseto a bit, B_(N−1), from the input power control bits signal. The currentsource module 118 n may be configured in an ON state, or in an OFFstate, based on a value of the bit B_(N−1). For example, whenB_(N−1)=the current source module 118 n may be in an ON state, and whenB_(N−1)=0 the current source module 118 n may be in an OFF state. Whenthe current source module 118 n is in an OFF state I_(N−1)=0. When thecurrent source module 118 n is in an ON state, the current level for thecurrent I_(N−1) may vary at different time instants in response tochanges in the level of the input modulation signal.

The transistors 120 and 122 may form a differential power amplifier (PA)circuit 123 that receives a differential input signal, labeled LO+ andLO−, and generated an amplified output signal at the nodes labeled D₁and D₂. The input LO+ may be applied to the gate of the transistor 120,and the input LO− may be applied to the gate of the transistor 122. Thenode D₁ may be coupled to the drain of the transistor 120, and the nodeD₂ may be coupled to the drain of the transistor 122.

The filter 124 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code thatmay suppress signals within one or more specified frequency ranges. Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention, the filter 124 may comprise abandpass filter that may suppress frequency components in thedifferential signal at the nodes D₁ and D₂, which are outside of a passband for the filter 124.

The matching transformer 108 may comprise primary windings labeled P₁,P₂ and P₃ in FIG. 1, and secondary windings labeled S₁ and S₂. Theprimary and secondary windings may comprise electrically conductingmaterial, such as wire manufactured from a suitable metal or conductor,and a core manufactured from a suitable magnetically permeable material.The location of the matching transformer 108 in the package 104 mayenable the utilization of materials, which may not be utilized for themanufacture of matching transformers, which are located on a die. Inaddition, the location of the matching transformer 108 in the package104 may enable the realization of physical dimensions, which may not beachievable for matching transformers, which are located on a die. Thecombination of wider material choice, and wider choice of physicaldimension, may enable more efficient transfer of signal energy from theprimary windings to the secondary windings in the matching transformer108, than may be achievable with matching transformers, which arelocated on a die.

In the context of the present application, the processor 130 may enablegeneration of power control bits that may be utilized for dynamiccontrol of an aggregate bias current level flowing through the PA 123,for example. In addition, the processor 130 may enable generation ofdata, which may be stored in the LUT 114.

The memory 132 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code thatmay enable storage and/or retrieval of data and/or code. The memory 132may utilize any of a plurality of storage medium technologies, such asvolatile memory, for example random access memory (RAM), and/ornon-volatile memory, for example electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM). In the context of the present application, thememory 132 may enable storage of code that enables generation of powercontrol bits and/or data for storage in the LUT 114, for example.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the package 104 may be aflip chip package, containing the matching transformer 108 and antenna110, to which the die 106 may be bonded. A contact point for the drainof transistor 120, labeled D₁ in FIG. 1, may be coupled to a contactpoint for the primary winding of the matching transformer 108, labeledP₁ in FIG. 1. A contact point for the drain of transistor 122, labeledD₂ in FIG. 1, may be coupled to a contact point for the primary windingof the matching transformer 108, labeled P₃ in FIG. 1. A contact pointfor the output of the DC/DC converter 112 may be coupled to a contactpoint for the primary winding of the matching transformer 108, labeledP₂ in FIG. 1. A contact point for the secondary winding of the matchingtransformer 108, labeled S₁ in FIG. 1, may be coupled to the antenna110. A contact point for the secondary winding of the matchingtransformer 108, labeled S₂ in FIG. 1, may be coupled to ground.

In operation, the PA 123 may be utilized in a polar modulation system inwhich the signal phase may be represented by the differential inputsignal LO+ and LO−, and the signal amplitude represented by themodulation signal as shown in FIG. 1. The differential input signal LO+and LO−, which may be applied to the gates of the transistors 120 and122, respectively, may represent a phase modulation signal of constantamplitude. An amplified version of the differential input signal LO+ andLO−, V_(out), may be generated at the output of the PA 123, as measuredat the nodes labeled D₁ and D₂. The amplitude of the output signalV_(out) may vary at different time instants in response to changes inthe level of the modulation signal applied to the input of the currentsource 119. Consequently, the dynamic bias voltage level for the PA 123may be determined based on the modulation signal. The amplitudecorresponding to the modulation signal may be detected by the envelopedetector 116. The output of the envelope detector 116 may represent thedetected modulation signal amplitude via the signal, Amplitude. The LUT114 may generate a Supply Control signal based on the Amplitude signal.The DC/DC converter 112 may convert the supply voltage V_(DD) to a biasvoltage V_(Bias) based on the Supply Control signal. The bias voltagemay be applied to the matching transformer 108 at the point labeled P₂.In response, the bias voltage may be applied to the drain of thetransistor 120, via the contact point D₁, and the drain of thetransistor 122, via the contact point D₂. The bias voltage applied atthe contact point D₁ may provide a bias voltage to the transistor 120while the bias voltage applied at the contact point D₂ may provide abias voltage to the transistor 122.

In addition to dynamic control of a bias voltage level for the PA 123,in various embodiments of the invention, the current source 119 may beprogrammable to enable dynamic control of a bias current level for thePA 123. In this regard, the processor 130 may enable generation of powercontrol bits, which may be provided as an input to the current source119. Each of the power control bits, B₀, B₁, . . . , and B_(N−1) mayenable a corresponding current source module 118 a, 118 b, . . . , and118 n to operate in an ON state or in an OFF state. The bias currentlevel flowing through the PA 123 may be represented as in the followingequation:

$\begin{matrix}{I_{Bias} = {I_{ref} \cdot {\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{N - 1}I_{k}}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where I_(ref) may represent a constant reference current value:

I _(k) =B _(k)·2^(k)  [2]

The bias current level I_(Bias) may also vary at different time instantsin response to changes in the level of the modulation signal. Thesechanges in the bias current level may be reflected in correspondingchanges in the level of the signal, V_(out), generated by the PA 123.

In various embodiments of the invention, the envelope detector 116 mayoperate in conjunction with the processor 130 to determine a biasvoltage level and/or bias current level for the PA 123.

In various embodiments of the invention, the LUT 114 may enable the PA123 to operate in various classes. For example, the LUT 114 may enablethe dynamic selection of bias levels V_(Bias), which enable thetransistors 120 and 122 to operate in the linear portion of therespective transfer curves for the given amplitude of the modulationsignal, such as in a Class A amplifier. The dynamic biasing method,however, may enable the PA 123 to operate with increased efficiencycompared to conventional Class A amplifier designs because the biaslevel, and power consumption of the PA 123, may be increased and/ordecreased in response to the amplitude of the modulation signal.Alternatively, the LUT 114 may enable the dynamic selection of biaslevels, which may enable the PA 123 to operate as a Class B amplifier, aClass AB amplifier, or a Class C amplifier, for example. In variousembodiments of the invention, the power control bits signal may operatein conjunction with the LUT 114 to further increase the efficiency ofthe PA 123 by enabling control over both the bias voltage level, and/orbias current level.

The output voltage from the PA 123, V_(out), may be measured between thenodes D₁ and D₂. The corresponding output current, as supplied via theDC/DC converter 112, may be I_(Bias). The output power from the PA 123,P_(out), may be proportional to the multiplicative productV_(out)·I_(Bias). The matching transformer 108 may transfer the outputpower from the PA 123, P_(out), measured at the primary windings betweennodes P₁ and P₂, and transfer at least a portion of P_(out), P_(load),to the secondary windings as measured between the nodes S₁ and S₂. Theportion of power which may be transferred from the primary windings tothe secondary windings depends upon signal energy loss between theprimary windings and secondary windings of the matching transformer 108,P_(loss), as shown in the following equation:

P _(load) =P _(out) −P _(loss)  [3]

In various embodiments of the invention, the matching transformer 108may be located within the package 104 as opposed to being located withinthe die 106. Locating the matching transformer 108 external to the die106 may enable implementation of more efficient matching transformerdesigns for which signal energy loss may be lower in comparison to someconventional IC designs in which the PA 123 and matching transformer arelocated within an IC die. The matching transformer 108 may realize thehigher efficiency by utilizing high permeability core materials and/orlow resistance, low parasitic parameter materials for the primary andsecondary windings. In various embodiments of the inventionP_(load)=P_(out).

The voltage V_(out) may induce a proportional voltage, V_(A), across thesecondary windings of the matching transformer as measured at nodes S₁and S₂ respectively. The voltage V_(A) may correspond to a voltageapplied to the antenna 110. The antenna 110 may correspond to a loadimpedance, R_(L). Similarly, the current I_(Bias) may induce aproportional current, I_(load), through the load impedance R_(L).Consequently, the voltage V_(A) may be proportional to the currentI_(Bias), while the power transferred to the antenna, P_(load), may beproportional to I_(Bias) ².

Changes in the voltage level for V_(out) may result in correspondingchanges in the current level for I_(Bias). In turn, this may result incorresponding changes in the voltage level for V_(A). For some ICfabrication technologies, such as CMOS, the impedance of the transistors120 and 122 may be relatively small (as measured in ohms). In addition,the technology may require that changes, or swings, in the voltagelevels for V_(out) be limited. By contrast, the impedance of the antenna110, may be considerably larger, for example R_(L)=50 ohms. By utilizingthe matching transformer 108 to provide impedance matching between theimpedance of the PA 123, as measured between the nodes D₁ and D₂, andthe impedance of the antenna 110, R_(L), voltage level swings in V_(out)may be limited.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary bias current control circuit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2,there is shown a current supply module 118. The current supply module118 may represent any one of the current supply modules 118 a, 118 b, .. . , or 118 n shown in FIG. 1. The current supply module 118 maycomprise a plurality of transistors 202, 204, 206 and 208, and aplurality of contact switches 210 and 212. The transistors 202 and 204may be configured as a current mirror circuit, and the transistors 206and 208 may be configured as a second current mirror circuit. The drainof the transistor 208 may be coupled to the node labeled S, as shown inFIG. 1. The drain of the transistor 202 may be coupled to the inputmodulation signal, as shown in FIG. 1. The contact switch 210 may beconfigured in an OPEN or CLOSED state based on a power control bitB_(k), where k may have a value 0, 1, . . . , or N−1, for example. Thecontract switch 212 may be configured in an OPEN or CLOSED state basedon the binary complement value of the power control bit B_(k). As such,the contact switch 210 may be configured in an OPEN state, when thecontact switch 212 is configured in a CLOSED state. In addition, thecontact switch 210 may be configured in a CLOSED state, when the contactswitch 212 is configured in an OPEN state.

In various embodiments of the invention, the current supply module 118may be configured in an ON state when the contact switch 210 isconfigured in a CLOSED state. By contrast, the current supply module 118may be configured in an OFF state when the contact switch 210 isconfigured in an OPEN state. The bias current for the current supplymodule 118, measured at the node S, may be represented as I_(k).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for dynamic biasingand bias current control, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 3, in step 302 the envelope detector 116may detect the amplitude of the differential input signal to the PA 123.In step 304, the envelope detector 116 may send a signal to the LUT 114,which indicates the amplitude of the differential input signal. In step306, the LUT 114 may generate supply control bits based on the inputamplitude information received in step 304. In step 308, the DC/DCconverter 112 may dynamically set a bias voltage level for V_(Bias),based on the supply control bits received in step 406. The magnitude ofthe bias voltage level may be less than or equal to the magnitude of thesupply voltage level V_(DD).

In step 310, the processor 130 may enable generation of power controlbits B₀, B₁, . . . , and B_(N−1). In step 312, based on the powercontrol bits generated in step 310, the current source 119 may enablegeneration of an aggregate bias current level, I_(Bias), which may flowthrough the PA 123. In step 314, an input modulation signal may beapplied to the current source 119. In an exemplary polar modulation PAsystem, the modulation signal may comprise an amplitude modulationsignal. The amplitude modulation signal may control the amplitude of theoutput signal from the PA 123, measured between nodes D₁ and D₂, forexample.

In various embodiments of the invention, the bias voltage level may bedynamically adjusted during circuit operation in response to changes inthe amplitude of the differential input signal to the PA 123. Inaddition, the bias current may also be dynamically adjusted. In thisregard, step 302 may follow step 314.

While FIG. 1 shows the filter 124 located within the die 106, and thematching transformer 108 and antenna 110 located within the package 104,various embodiments of the invention may not be so limited. In variousembodiments of the invention, the filter 124 may be located within thepackage 104 and/or within the board 102. Similarly, the transformer 108and/or antenna 110 may be located within the board 102.

Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control forlinear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current sourcecircuit 119 that enables determination of a bias current level for a PAcircuit 123 within an IC die 106 based on an amplitude of an inputmodulation signal. The PA circuit 123 may enable generation of an outputsignal based on a differential input signal, LO+ and LO−, and the inputmodulation signal to the current source circuit 119. A generated biasvoltage may be applied to a transformer 108 external to the IC die 106but internal to an IC package 104 containing the IC die 106 and/or acircuit board 102 containing the IC package. One or more amplifier biasvoltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit 123 wherein theamplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated biasvoltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

The DC/DC converter 112 may enable dynamic generation of a subsequentbias voltage level based on a subsequent amplitude of the inputmodulation signal. The LUT 114 may enable selection of the generatedbias voltage level. The current source circuit 119 may enable dynamicgeneration of a subsequent bias current level based on a subsequentamplitude of the input modulation signal.

In an exemplary polar modulation system, the differential input signalmay comprise signal phase information, and the input modulation signalmay comprise signal amplitude information. The phase of the generatedoutput signal from the PA circuit 123 may be based on the differentialinput signal, and an amplitude of the generated output signal may bebased on the input modulation signal.

The input modulation signal may be input to the current source circuit119. The current source circuit 119, which may comprise a plurality ofcurrent supply modules 118, may generate the bias current level. Thegenerated bias current level may be a total bias current level summedacross the plurality of current supply modules 118 within the currentsource circuit 119.

The current source circuit 119 may be configured based on a powercontrol bits signal. Each of the plurality of current supply modules 118may be controlled based on a corresponding bit in a power control wordreceived via the power control bits signal. The power control word maycomprise bits B₀, B₁, . . . , B_(N−1), for example. The input modulationsignal may be an input signal to each of the plurality of current supplymodules 118.

The output signal from the PA circuit 123 may be based on the inputsignal to each of the plurality of current supply modules 118, which isconfigured in an ON state. Each of the current supply modules 118 may beconfigured in an ON state of an OFF state based on the corresponding bitin the power control word.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software. The presentinvention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least onecomputer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elementsare spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind ofcomputer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methodsdescribed herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware andsoftware may be a general-purpose computer system with a computerprogram that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computersystem such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer programproduct, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation ofthe methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer systemis able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the presentcontext means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of aset of instructions intended to cause a system having an informationprocessing capability to perform a particular function either directlyor after either or both of the following: a) conversion to anotherlanguage, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different materialform.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for amplifying signals in a wireless communication system,the method comprising: determining a bias current level for a poweramplifier circuit within an integrated circuit (IC) die based on anamplitude of an input modulation signal; and generating an output signalfrom said power amplifier circuit based on a differential input signalto said power amplifier circuit and said input modulation signal;wherein a generated bias voltage level is applied to a transformerexternal to said IC die, but internal to one or both of an IC packagecontaining said IC die and/or a circuit board containing said ICpackage; wherein at least one amplifier bias voltage level is applied tosaid power amplifier circuit, and wherein said at least one amplifierbias voltage level is derived from one or both of said generated biasvoltage level applied to said transformer and/or said determined biascurrent level.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein saiddifferential input signal comprises signal phase information, and saidinput modulation signal comprises signal amplitude information.
 3. Themethod according to claim 2, wherein a phase of said generated outputsignal from said power amplifier circuit is based on said differentialinput signal, and an amplitude of said generated output signal is basedon said input modulation signal.
 4. The method according to claim 1,comprising inputting said input modulation signal to a current supplycircuit.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said current supplycircuit generates said bias current level.
 6. The method according toclaim 4, wherein said current supply circuit comprises a plurality ofcurrent supply modules.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein saidgenerated bias current level is a total bias current level summed acrosssaid plurality of current supply modules within said current supplycircuit.
 8. The method according to claim 6, comprising configuring saidcurrent supply circuit comprising said plurality of current supplymodules based on a power control bits signal.
 9. The method according toclaim 8, comprising controlling each of said plurality of current supplymodules based on a corresponding bit in a power control word receivedvia said power control bits signal.
 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein said input modulation signal is an input signal to said each ofsaid plurality of current supply modules.
 11. The method according toclaim 10, comprising generating said output signal from said poweramplifier circuit based on said input signal to said each of saidplurality of current supply modules for said each of said plurality ofcurrent supply modules that is configured in an ON state.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, comprising configuring said each of saidplurality of current supply modules in said ON state, or in an OFFstate, based on said corresponding bit in said power control word. 13.The method according to claim 1, comprising dynamically generating asubsequent bias voltage level based on a subsequent amplitude of saidinput modulation signal.
 14. The method according to claim 1, comprisingdynamically generating a subsequent bias current level based on asubsequent amplitude of said input modulation signal.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 1, comprising selecting said generated bias voltagelevel from a look up table.
 16. A system for amplifying signals in awireless communication system, the system comprising: at least onecircuit the enables determination of a bias current level for a poweramplifier circuit within an integrated circuit (IC) die based on anamplitude of an input modulation signal; and said at least one circuitenables generation of an output signal from said power amplifier circuitbased on a differential input signal to said power amplifier circuit andsaid input modulation signal; wherein a generated bias voltage level isapplied to a transformer external to said IC die, but internal to one orboth of an IC package containing said IC die and/or a circuit boardcontaining said IC package; wherein at least one amplifier bias voltagelevel is applied to said power amplifier circuit, and wherein said atleast one amplifier bias voltage level is derived from one or both ofsaid generated bias voltage level applied to said transformer and/orsaid determined bias current level.
 17. The system according to claim16, wherein said differential input signal comprises signal phaseinformation, and said input modulation signal comprises signal amplitudeinformation.
 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein a phase ofsaid generated output signal from said power amplifier circuit is basedon said differential input signal, and an amplitude of said generatedoutput signal is based on said input modulation signal.
 19. The systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said at least one circuit enables inputof said input modulation signal to a current supply circuit.
 20. Thesystem according to claim 19, wherein said current supply circuitgenerates said bias current level.
 21. The system according to claim 19,wherein said current supply circuit comprises a plurality of currentsupply modules.
 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein saidgenerated bias current level is a total bias current level summed acrosssaid plurality of current supply modules within said current supplycircuit.
 23. The system according to claim 21, wherein said at least onecircuit enables configuration of said current supply circuit comprisingsaid plurality of current supply modules based on a power control bitssignal.
 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein said at least onecircuit enables control of each of said plurality of current supplymodules based on a corresponding bit in a power control word receivedvia said power control bits signal.
 25. The system according to claim24, wherein said input modulation signal is an input signal to said eachof said plurality of current supply modules.
 26. The system according toclaim 25, wherein said at least one circuit enables generation of saidoutput signal from said power amplifier circuit based on said inputsignal to said each of said plurality of current supply modules for saideach of said plurality of current supply modules that is configured inan ON state.
 27. The system according to claim 26, wherein said at leastone circuit enables configuration of said each of said plurality ofcurrent supply modules in said ON state, or in an OFF state, based onsaid corresponding bit in said power control word.
 28. The systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said at least one circuit enables dynamicgeneration of a subsequent bias voltage level based on a subsequentamplitude of said input modulation signal.
 29. The system according toclaim 16, wherein said at least one circuit enables dynamic generationof a subsequent bias current level based on a subsequent amplitude ofsaid input modulation signal.
 30. The system according to claim 16,wherein said at least one circuit enables selection of said generatedbias voltage level from a look up table.